Rohit Sharma produced a polished century at Lord’s, but India could not complete a demanding chase as England won the third ODI by 28 runs and took the series 2-1.
Chasing 388, India stayed in the contest for long periods through Rohit’s 138 off 110 balls. His innings included 17 fours and five sixes, and the knock also became the first ODI hundred by an Indian batter at Lord’s. For a while, it gave India a realistic chance of pulling off a chase that brought back memories of the 2002 NatWest Series final, when India successfully hunted down 325 against England at the same venue.
This time, the target proved too high. India needed 93 runs from the final eight overs with eight wickets in hand, and Virat Kohli was set at the crease. England, however, slowed the scoring rate and found wickets at important moments.
Rohit leads India’s chase
Rohit’s innings was the centre of India’s response. He looked in control during a chase that required sustained aggression, and his hundred also marked a return to form in the format. India’s position in the 42nd over showed how close the match still was at that stage, with wickets in hand and Kohli batting on.
England’s bowlers changed the pace of the game in the closing stretch. Jacob Bethell, used as a part-time left-arm spinner, finished with figures of 7-0-49-1. His wicket was a major one: he bowled Rohit and ended the innings that had kept India’s chase alive.
Sam Curran then played a decisive role with the ball. He finished with 4 for 75 from his 10 overs and dismissed Kohli, who made 74 off 60 balls with four fours and three sixes. Once Kohli went, India’s task became far steeper.
England hold their catches and pressure India
England also gained from sharp work in the field. Substitute Rehan Ahmed took two important catches in the outfield despite a difficult sun. His catches removed Ishan Kishan for 14 and Shreyas Iyer for nought, giving England control during the phase when India needed quick runs.
Those moments mattered because India still had batting resources at the start of the final phase. With Rohit and Kohli both contributing heavily, the chase had not collapsed early. But England’s use of slower bowling and cutters made boundaries harder to find, and India could not keep up with the asking rate.
Bumrah misses out as India alter combination
Earlier, England chose to bat first and set India a 388-run target. India went into the match without Jasprit Bumrah, who sat out because of “reactive swelling in his left knee” after an injury in the second ODI in Cardiff.
India also made other changes. Shivam Dube was absent, while Prince Yadav and Arshdeep Singh came into the side. Washington Sundar was replaced by K.L. Rahul, leaving India with five specialist bowlers. The attack also lacked the wrist spin option of Kuldeep Yadav, reducing the variety available to captain Shubman Gill.
On a day when England’s batting put up a huge total, those selection and fitness issues left India with limited bowling options. The chase still came close enough to keep the match alive deep into the innings, but England’s late control with the ball and in the field sealed both the match and the series.
Source: The Hindu Cricket.